Uploaded July 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
The tallest building in Burke County was imploded on Saturday July 11th, 2020. Formerly known as the Western Youth High-rise this 16 story building built in 1972 could house up to 708 mixed security offenders age 13 to 22 and employed 378 correctional officers, supervisors, case managers, social workers and food service personnel. The building had set empty since early 2014. The demolition was carried out by DH Griffin Wrecking and the explosives demolition work was performed by Pettigrew Inc. Contrary to media reports, the building fell according to plan laying into the old parking lot.
The tallest building in Burke County was imploded on Saturday July 11th, 2020. Formerly known as the Western Youth High-rise this 16 story building built in 1972 could house up to 708 mixed security offenders age 13 to 22 and employed 378 correctional officers, supervisors, case managers, social workers and food service personnel. The building had set empty since early 2014. The demolition was carried out by DH Griffin Wrecking and the explosives demolition work was performed by Pettigrew Inc. Contrary to media reports, the building fell according to plan laying into the old parking lot.
